Tissue marking system

ABSTRACT

A tissue marking system that includes a first ink reservoir that contains ink of a first color and a second ink reservoir that contains ink of a second color different from the first color. A first isolation space is positioned between the first ink reservoir and the second ink reservoir. A third ink reservoir contains ink of a third color different from the first color and the second color. A second isolation space is positioned between the second ink reservoir and the third ink reservoir.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a tissue marking system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tissue marking system that includes ink.

During surgery, it is often necessary to remove a sample of tissue and closely examine that tissue sample while knowing its original orientation within the patient. For example, cancerous tumors are often removed from the patient and then examined to verify that a sufficient margin of tissue surrounding the tumor has been removed. To determine this, the tissue sample is examined and the margins on each surface are identified. Should a margin be insufficient, it is important for the surgeon to know the orientation of the sample to allow for the removal of additional tissue in the proper area.

Presently, different color sutures, different length sutures, or different quantities of sutures are inserted into the tissue sample to identify the orientation of the tissue. However, this is time consuming and the sutures can be accidentally removed making identification of the tissue orientation difficult.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a tissue marking system that includes a first ink reservoir that contains ink of a first color and a second ink reservoir that contains ink of a second color different from the first color. A first isolation space is positioned between the first ink reservoir and the second ink reservoir. A third ink reservoir contains ink of a third color different from the first color and the second color. A second isolation space is positioned between the second ink reservoir and the third ink reservoir.

The invention also provides a tissue marking system that includes a housing that is divided into a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment. The housing at least partially defines a first isolation space disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment and a second isolation space disposed between the second compartment and the third compartment. A first quantity of ink is disposed within the first compartment and has a first color and a second quantity of ink is disposed within the second compartment and has a second color. A third quantity of ink is disposed within the third compartment and has a third color.

The invention further provides a method of identifying the orientation of a tissue sample. The method includes removing a sample of tissue, marking a first surface of the sample with a first ink having a first color, and marking a second surface of the sample with a second ink having a second color. The method also includes marking a third surface of the sample with a third ink having a third color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a patient including a tissue sample to be removed from the patient;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the patient and tissue sample of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the portion of the patient and tissue sample of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tissue sample of FIG. 1 after being removed from the patient of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tissue marking system;

FIG. 6 is a top view of another tissue marking system;

FIG. 6 a is a sectional view of the tissue marking system of FIG. 6 taken along line A-A of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the tissue marking system of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalence thereof as well as additional items. The terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a patient 10 and a tissue sample 15 are illustrated to show the tissue sample's orientation in the patient 10. Before proceeding, it should be noted that the present invention will be described as it relates to a tissue sample 15 removed from a breast. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention is applicable to many other tissue samples in which orientation is important. For example, basal cell carcinoma also requires that a tissue sample be removed, and that its orientation be identified to verify that sufficient margin has been removed. As such, the invention should not be limited only to the uses described herein as it is well suited for use with any tissue that required orientation for pathology. These tissues include but are not limited to samples of breast, bone, thyroid, lymph nodes, brain, sarcomas, kidney, bowel, spleen, soft tissue masses, melanoma, squamous cell skin cancer, basal cell cancer, liver tumors, and the like.

FIG. 1 shows a view looking down on the patient 10. For purposes of description, the direction 20 toward the patient's head will be identified as superior, while the opposite direction 25 is inferior. The direction 30 toward the patient's midline is defined as medial, while the opposite direction 35 is defined as lateral. With reference to FIG. 3, a side view of a portion of the patient is illustrated to further illustrate orientation. The direction 40 toward the patient's exterior is defined as superficial, while the opposite direction 45 is defined as deep.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the tissue sample 15 within the patient 10 prior to its removal, while FIG. 4 shows that same tissue sample 15 after removal. With the sample 15 still in the patient 10, the three surfaces 50, 55, 60 that will be marked can be seen. While any three planes or surfaces of the tissue sample 15 can be used to identify the orientation of the sample 15, it is preferred that three substantially orthogonal surfaces be identified. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the lateral surface 50, inferior surface 55, and superficial surface 60 of the tissue sample 15 are shaded differently for illustrative purposes. In FIG. 4, the same three surfaces 50, 55, 60 are shaded to indicate that they have been marked with a different color.

Before proceeding, it should be noted that the term “ink” as used herein is meant to encompass any coloring element that can be applied to a tissue sample 15, with dye, paint, and stains being a few examples. As such, the invention should not be limited to ink alone.

To mark the surfaces 50, 55, 60, three different color inks are employed. FIG. 5 illustrates a container 80 suited for use in marking the tissue sample 15. The container 80 includes a housing 85 that defines three substantially separated compartments 90, 95, 100 and a cover 105 pivotally attached to the housing 85. A perimeter 86 extends around the container 80 and encircles the three compartments 90, 95, 100. Each of the three different color inks is disposed within one of the three compartments 90, 95, 100. The cover 105 is movable between a covering position where it covers the three compartments 90, 95, 100 and cooperates with the housing 85 to completely separate the compartments 90, 95, 100, and an open position where the ink is accessible.

Each compartment 90, 95, 100 includes a bottom surface and a wall that surrounds the bottom surface. Opposite the bottom surface is an opening that allows for access to the ink during use.

In some constructions, each of the inks is simply disposed within one of the compartments 90, 95, 100. Generally, the ink in the compartments is in liquid form. In other constructions, an ink absorbent material 110, such as foam or felt, is disposed within each compartment 90, 95, 100 and is operable to absorb and hold the ink to inhibit spillage and mixing between the ink compartments 90, 95, 100.

Each quantity of ink is a different color than the remaining two quantities of ink. Thus, the first quantity of ink may be yellow, the second quantity of ink may be red, and the third quantity of ink may be black. Of course different colors (e.g., black, blue, green, red, yellow, orange, violet, and the like) could also be employed if desired. In addition, different colors may be employed depending on the particular tissue sample 15 to be removed. For example, breast tissue may be better examined if yellow, red, and blue inks are used, while basal cell samples may be better examined using red, blue, and black ink. Thus, the actual colors employed may be varied greatly.

Generally, the container 80 is a single use tool that is used during a surgical procedure. Thus, the container 80 and its contents are sterilized. While many different sterilization procedures are possible, it is believed that gamma ray sterilization is best suited to the task of sterilizing the container 80 and its contents with other sterilization processes also being possible. In some constructions, a forceps 115 or tweezers is attached to the cover 105 and can be removed for use in grasping and marking the tissue sample 15. Thus, the tissue sample 15 can be marked using the enclosed forceps 115 and the forceps 115 and the container 80 can be discarded after use.

While many different manufacturing processes are possible it is preferred that the container 80, including the cover 105, be injection molded as a single component. In constructions that are molded as a single component, a living hinge 118 would generally be employed between the cover 105 and the housing 85. Of course, other manufacturing methods and other connections between the cover 105 and housing 85 could be employed if desired.

FIG. 6 illustrates another container 120 that supports three ink reservoirs 125, 126, 127 and is suited for use in marking the tissue sample 15. Like the container 80, the container 120 is a single use tool that is used during a surgical procedure. Thus, the container 120 and its contents are sterilized. The container 120 includes a formed portion 130 that defines the three ink reservoirs 125, 126, 127. The reservoirs 125, 126, 127 are slight depressions in the formed portion 130 that are sized to contain a quantity of ink. A first isolation space 140 is formed between the first reservoir 125 and the second reservoir 126 and a second isolation space 145 is formed between the second reservoir 126 and the third reservoir 127. The formed portion 130 also defines a perimeter 150 that surrounds the three reservoirs 125, 126, 127. In most constructions, the perimeter 150, the first isolation space 140, and the second isolation space 145 are all substantially disposed within a single plane and the reservoirs 125, 126, 127 extend below that plane.

In some constructions, a ridge 155 (shown in FIG. 6 a) is formed around the perimeter 150 to increase the stiffness of the formed portion 130. The ridge 155 may have a semi-circular, square, triangular, polygonal, or any other suitable cross-section. Generally, the ridge 155 extends downward below the perimeter to provide the additional stiffness. The ridge 155 also reduces the likelihood of tearing a surgical glove by reducing the number of sharp edges. The increased stiffness that results from the ridge 155 allows the container 120 to be used without being completely supported from beneath the reservoirs 125, 126, 127.

The ink, dye, or other marking substance is disposed within each of the reservoirs 125, 126, 127. As discussed with regard to FIG. 5, an ink absorbing material 160 such as felt or foam, can be placed within each of the reservoirs 125, 126, 127 to hold the ink and reduce the likelihood of spillage and mixing.

A cover 165 extends over the top of the open reservoirs 125, 126, 127 and sealably engages the perimeter 150, the first isolation space 140, and the second isolation space 145. The cover 165 inhibits spillage, mixing, and contamination of the ink before and after sterilization. In most constructions, the cover 165 is a thin plastic film or a thin foil that is adhesively bonded to the formed portion 130. An adhesive is applied to the one or both of the cover 165 and the formed portion 130 in, or adjacent to, the perimeter 150, the first isolation space 140, and the second isolation space 145 such that when the cover 165 is positioned as desired, the cover 165 adhesively bonds to the formed portion 130. Once sealed by the cover 165, the container 120 and the ink can be sterilized and stored for future use.

It should be noted that the thin plastic cover 165 could be used with the construction of FIG. 5 in place of, or in conjunction with, the cover 105.

To manufacture the container 120, the formed portion 130 is first stamped or injection molded from a thermoplastic material. Of course other materials (e.g., metals, composites, and the like) and other manufacturing processes could be used if desired. The ink holding component 160 (e.g., felt, foam, etc.) is positioned within each of the reservoirs 125, 126, 127 if employed. The different color inks are then placed in the individual reservoirs 125, 126, 127. Adhesive is applied to one, or both, of the cover 165 and the formed portion 130 and the cover 165 is positioned on the formed portion 130 to complete the assembly of the container 120. The container 120 is then sterilized and packaged for use at a future date.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the container 120 of FIG. 6. As can be seen, the perimeter 150 the first isolation space 140 and the second isolation space 145 reside in a single plane that allows the cover to sealably engage the container and seal each reservoir from the other reservoirs. The ridge 155 extends downward to increase the stiffness of the container 120 and to eliminate a thin edge that would otherwise exist and would provide a sharp surface that could tear a surgical glove.

In use, the constructions of FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6, 6 a, and 7 function similarly. The cover 105, 165 is first opened or removed to expose the ink. A first surface 50 of the tissue sample 15 is dipped into the first reservoir 90, 125, a second surface 55 of the tissue sample 15 is dipped into the second reservoir 95, 126, and a third surface 60 of the tissue sample 15 is dipped into the third reservoir 100, 127. In most constructions, quick-drying ink is used to further speed the process. Generally, quick-drying ink is ink that dries in less than about 15 minutes with inks that dry in less than 5 minutes being preferred. Once the three surfaces 50, 55, 60 are marked, the orientation of the tissue sample 15 is easily identified and someone other than the surgeon can examine the sample while accurately understanding the original orientation of the tissue within the patient's body.

In some constructions, a label 175 is provided with the container 120 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The label 175 is pre-marked with the ink colors and a space. The nurse or surgeon can identify the surface marked with each color ink by identifying that surface in the space adjacent the correct color on the preprinted label. The label 175 is then pealed off and affixed to the tissue sample 15 or the container that contains the tissue sample 15.

It should be noted that all of the constructions illustrated and discussed herein could also include a stick surface 180 (shown in FIGS. 6 a and 7). The stick surface reduces the likelihood of the container slipping off of a surface when the container 80, 120 is positioned for use. As such, the stick surface 180 is generally positioned opposite a reservoir opening, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 a and 7. Many substances (e.g., rubber, VELCRO, adhesives, and the like) can be used as a stick surface 180.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

1. A tissue marking system comprising: a first ink reservoir containing ink of a first color; a second ink reservoir containing ink of a second color different from the first color; a first isolation space positioned between the first ink reservoir and the second ink reservoir; a third ink reservoir containing ink of a third color different from the first color and the second color; and a second isolation space positioned between the second ink reservoir and the third ink reservoir.
 2. The tissue marking system of claim 1, further comprising a housing divided into a first compartment, a second compartment and a third compartment, the first ink reservoir disposed substantially within the first compartment, the second ink reservoir disposed substantially within the second compartment, and the third ink reservoir disposed substantially within the third compartment.
 3. The tissue marking system of claim 2, wherein the housing defines a perimeter, and wherein a ridge is disposed around the perimeter.
 4. The tissue marking system of claim 2, wherein the housing includes a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.
 5. The tissue marking system of claim 4, further comprising a tweezers coupled to the cover.
 6. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink reservoir includes at least one of felt and foam.
 7. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first color is yellow, the second color is red, and the third color is black.
 8. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink include die.
 9. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the third reservoir are sterilized.
 10. The tissue marking system of claim 1, further comprising a cover in sealable contact with the first isolation space and the second isolation space to sealably separate the first ink reservoir, the second ink reservoir, and the third ink reservoir.
 11. The tissue marking system of claim 8, wherein the cover includes a thin member and an adhesive, the thin member adhesively bonded to the first isolation space and the second isolation space.
 12. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink are quick-drying inks.
 13. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink reservoir includes a first opening, and wherein a stick surface is coupled to the first reservoir opposite the first opening.
 14. A tissue marking system comprising: a housing divided into a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment, each compartment including an opening, the housing at least partially defining a first isolation space disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment and a second isolation space disposed between the second compartment and the third compartment; a first quantity of ink disposed within the first compartment and having a first color; a second quantity of ink disposed within the second compartment and having a second color; and a third quantity of ink disposed within the third compartment and having a third color.
 15. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the housing includes a cover movable between a closed position and an open position, when in the closed position the opening of the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are substantially sealed.
 16. The tissue marking system of claim 15, further comprising a tweezers coupled to the cover.
 17. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first compartment includes a felt portion operable to hold the first quantity of ink.
 18. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first compartment includes a foam portion operable to hold the first quantity of ink.
 19. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first color is yellow, the second color is red, and the third color is black.
 20. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink include die.
 21. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the housing, the first quantity of ink, the second quantity of ink, and the third quantity of ink are sterilized.
 22. The tissue marking system of claim 14, further comprising a cover in sealable contact with the first isolation space and the second isolation space to sealably separate the first ink reservoir, the second ink reservoir, and the third ink reservoir.
 23. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the cover includes a thin member and an adhesive, the thin member adhesively bonded to the first isolation space and the second isolation space.
 24. The tissue marking system of claim 14, further comprising a reusable label preprinted with the first color, the second color, and the third color.
 25. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first quantity of ink, the second quantity of ink, and the third quantity of ink are quick-drying inks.
 26. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first compartment includes a first opening, and wherein a stick surface is coupled to the housing opposite the first opening.
 27. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the housing defines a perimeter, and wherein a ridge is disposed around the perimeter.
 28. A method of identifying the orientation of a tissue sample, the method comprising: removing a sample of tissue; marking a first surface of the sample with a first ink having a first color; marking a second surface of the sample with a second ink having a second color; and marking a third surface of the sample with a third ink having a third color.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising sterilizing the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink.
 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising positioning the first ink within a first compartment defined within a housing, positioning the second ink in a second compartment defined within the housing, and positioning the third ink in a third compartment defined within the housing.
 31. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing one of felt and foam to hold the first ink.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein first color is yellow, the second color is red, and the third color is black. 